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The shrine was built by the Mantismerchants who found the body of Kaimetsu-Uo laying dead on the deck of a pirate vessel, surrounded by the bodies of dead pirates. When the Mantis returned, they constructed a shrine in his honor at the first sign of land, tended by one of their number, who shaved his head and retired immediately. [3]

Other legends said that the shrine was erected upon the ascesion of Yoritomo who wished to honor his ancestor, and ask his blessing on the Mantis. Since then the Mantis have been blessed with good harvests, good trade and few storms, not to mention Great Clan status. Most Mantis believed their ancestor was holding up his end of the bargain, and visited his temple regularily to express their appreciation. [4]

Those Mantis who claimed to be great warriors made a pilgrimage to Kaimetsu-uo Seido to challenge the monks to non-lethal unarmed combat. Defeating the monks there afforded the bushi tremendous respect from his clansmen. Moshi Mineko achieved it when she was just a teenager. [6]